Rules by Cynthia Lord

(AR level 3.9)

Rules by Cynthia Lord is a book full of fun and fabulous opportunities to see the world through the eyes of those who have special needs, as well as those who love them.

Catherine is a typical 12 year old, with typical thoughts and feelings, but a not-so-typical life that she sometimes has a hard time with.  Her brother has autism and it always seems as if his needs come before anyone else.  He has a lot of needs.

Rules has one both a Newbery Honor and a Schneider Family Book Award  for the humorous and sensitive way it portrays life with disabilities.

There is a fabulous set of teaching aid available for this title on Scholastic’s website.

And, here are some further book extension ideas to consider.

Every character in the book has a different way of coping with their problems.  Can you identify each person’s talent/personal therapy measures?  What are yours?

Have you ever considered learning to draw, or playing an instrument such as the guitar or piano?

Do you know someone with special needs? How would you draw a picture of their life?

What it’s like to have a brother with autism?

Or, be in a wheelchair?

Consider rules or schedules you have in your own life.  Do the help with daily life of feel restricting? If you could define your own set of rules for life, what kinds of things would you include?

Find and write out a list of all the rules Catherine creates in the book. What is your favorite rule in Catherine’s book for David? Practice writing it in different creative ways and turn it into an art project.

Consider how you feel about spending time with those who have special needs.  How does your time with them make you feel or think about life?  Do some research into what it's like to have a career as an art therapist, music therapist, speech therapist, or occupational therapist.  In what other ways can you use your own talents and interest to help others and build a career?

Also, if you really enjoyed this book, there is an opportunity to write to the author on her website.

Want more books like Rules?  Try these:

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban

Wonder by R. J. Palacio

And just because we think it’s totally awesome, check out this fish tank.  But remember, No Toys in the Fish Tank!